Seasonal Fishing Guide for Costa Rica’s Premier Sportfishing Port
Los Sueños Marina, located in Herradura Bay just north of Jaco, is widely recognized as the most critical sportfishing marina in Costa Rica. Home to a world-class fleet of tournament-grade boats and positioned directly beside some of the most productive waters in the Central Pacific, Los Sueños offers year-round fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
One of the most common questions anglers ask when planning a trip is simple: When is the best time to fish in Los Sueños Marina? The answer depends on what you want to catch, how you like to fish, and the overall experience you are looking for.
This guide breaks down the fishing seasons in Los Sueños month by month, explains how conditions change throughout the year, and helps you choose the best time to visit based on your goals.
Why Los Sueños Marina Is a Year-Round Fishing Destination
Unlike many fishing destinations that rely on short seasonal windows, Los Sueños benefits from a unique combination of geography and ocean conditions. The continental shelf drops quickly offshore, warm Pacific currents move through the region year-round, and baitfish remain present across all seasons.
Because of this, anglers can target billfish, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, and inshore species every month of the year. While certain species peak during specific seasons, there is never a true offseason at Los Sueños.
Another key advantage is Herradura Bay itself. The bay provides naturally protected waters, allowing boats to depart consistently even when conditions are less favorable elsewhere along the coast.
High Season Overview: December Through April
For many anglers, December through April is considered the prime fishing season in Los Sueños Marina. These months coincide with Costa Rica’s dry season and offer some of the most stable weather and sea conditions of the year.
What Makes This Period Special
During these months, the Pacific currents align in a way that concentrates bait and attracts large numbers of billfish. Calm mornings and predictable weather patterns allow captains to fish efficiently and consistently cover productive areas.
Target Species
- Sailfish
- Blue marlin
- Black marlin
- Striped marlin
- Yellowfin tuna
- Mahi mahi
Sailfish numbers are firm during this period, making it a favorite time for anglers looking for multiple releases in a single day.
Best For
- First-time Costa Rica anglers
- Anglers targeting billfish
- Groups traveling during the winter months
- Tournament-style fishing experiences
Transitional Season: May Through August
May marks the beginning of Costa Rica’s green season, but in Los Sueños, this period is often misunderstood. While rainfall increases slightly, fishing remains excellent, and crowds begin to thin.
Why This Season Is Underrated
The transition into the green season brings nutrient-rich water and vigorous bait activity. Tuna fishing improves significantly, and mahi mahi become more consistent. Inshore fishing also shines during this time, especially for roosterfish and snapper.
Rain typically falls in short afternoon showers, leaving mornings calm and productive for fishing.
Target Species
- Yellowfin tuna
- Mahi mahi
- Blue marlin
- Sailfish
- Roosterfish
- Cubera snapper
Best For
- Anglers targeting tuna
- Mixed offshore and inshore trips
- Visitors looking for fewer crowds
- Experienced anglers are comfortable with changing conditions
Prime Inshore Season: September Through November
September through November is one of the most overlooked periods for fishing in Los Sueños Marina, yet it can deliver exceptional results for anglers who understand the conditions.
What to Expect
This time of year often sees fewer boats on the water, which means less fishing pressure and more aggressive fish. Water temperatures remain warm, bait is plentiful, and both offshore and inshore species remain active.
Inshore fishing is extreme, with consistent action for roosterfish, snapper, and jacks along the coastline.
Target Species
- Roosterfish
- Cubera snapper
- Yellowfin tuna
- Blue marlin
- Sailfish
Best For
- Inshore-focused anglers
- Fly fishing trips
- Anglers seeking quieter conditions
- Travelers with flexible schedules
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January to March
Peak billfish months with calm seas and high sailfish numbers. Excellent for full-day offshore trips.
April
Still strong for sailfish and marlin, with improving tuna and mahi mahi action as conditions begin to shift.
May to June
Tuna fishing increases, mahi mahi become more common, and inshore fisheries remain productive.
July to August
One of the best times for tuna and mixed-bag offshore days. Roosterfish action remains steady along the coast.
September to October
Outstanding inshore fishing and strong offshore opportunities with fewer boats on the water.
November
A transitional month that can produce excellent fishing across multiple species as conditions begin shifting back toward the dry season.
December
Fishing ramps up quickly with improving weather and the return of peak sailfish conditions.
Best Time to Fish Based on Target Species
Best Time for Sailfish
December through April
Best Time for Marlin
Year-round, with peaks from January through April and again in late summer
Best Time for Tuna
May through October, with consistent action during green season months
Best Time for Mahi Mahi
Year-round, with increased numbers during transitional periods
Best Time for Roosterfish
May through November, it is powerful during the green season months
Weather, Sea Conditions & Fishing Comfort
Los Sueños Marina benefits from relatively calm conditions throughout the year, especially compared to more exposed regions. Morning departures are typically smooth, and crews adjust routes and strategies based on daily conditions.
While rain is more common from May through November, it rarely affects full fishing days. Most rain occurs later in the afternoon, after boats have already returned.
Tournament Season & Competitive Fishing
Los Sueños is famous for hosting some of the most prestigious fishing tournaments in Costa Rica. Tournament season generally aligns with peak billfish months and brings together elite crews from around the world.
Even outside of tournament dates, the high level of competition in the marina keeps captains sharp and techniques refined, benefiting everyday anglers.
Choosing the Right Trip for the Time of Year
The best time to fish also depends on the type of trip you choose.
- Half-day trips work best during peak seasons when fish are closer
- Full-day trips allow flexibility year-round
- Overnight and multi-day trips are ideal during periods of high tuna and marlin activity.
Costa Rica Fishing Experts helps match trip type to seasonal conditions, maximizing your chances of success.
Planning Your Trip to Los Sueños Marina
Los Sueños Marina is located just minutes from Jaco and Herradura, making it easy to plan accommodations nearby. Many anglers choose to stay in Jaco for access to restaurants and activities, then fish out of Herradura Bay.
Transportation, licenses, gear, and bait are all handled by the charter crews, allowing you to focus entirely on the fishing experience.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “best” time to fish in Los Sueños Marina, because excellent fishing happens year-round. The best time depends on what you want to catch, how you want to fish, and the overall experience you are looking for.
From peak billfish action in the dry season to incredible tuna and inshore fishing during the green season, Los Sueños offers consistency, variety, and world-class sportfishing every month of the year.
With the right planning and local expertise, any time you choose to fish in Los Sueños can be the best time.
